This week in US Powersports racing.
Resurgent Colton Haaker sweeps night one of Idaho Falls EnduroCross double-header
A perfect 1-1-1 scorecard took Colton Haaker to victory on Friday night in Idaho Falls for Round 3 of the 2024 AMA EnduroCross Series, opening the double-header weekend on the top step of the EX Pro Class podium.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Haaker has been in resurgent form through the first three rounds of the season, finishing sixth at the opening round and then improving for his first podium of the year in P2 last time out onboard the Husqvarna FX 350.
That was an important result for the five-time champion Haaker, focusing on his starts over the past week and capitalizing on his early track position tonight at the Mountain America Center. It was a timely victory for the Idaho resident, elevating him to second in the point standings halfway into the six-round series.
“You can’t get much better than that!” Haaker commented. “It was a tough night, but things went my way, which is awesome. I came here and did what I wanted to do – get good starts and put myself up front. That was the difference for me tonight, getting that track position from the first turn and taking advantage of it. We’ll aim to stay up front tomorrow!”
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Ryder LeBlond finished fifth overall on Friday courtesy of 6-7-3 finishes, marking his best result of the year to date.
“It was hard racing out there tonight and we didn’t quite get it together in those first two races,” said LeBlond. “The final one was better, we managed a third to round out the night, and that put us in the top five overall. That will be the goal tomorrow, to keep on building.”
EX Pro Class Results
1. Colton Haaker, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2. Trystan Hart, KTM
3. Cooper Abbott, Sherco
5. Ryder LeBlond, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
7. Will Riordan, GASGAS
Upcoming Offroad Races – October 2024
10/26: EnduroCross Series – Round 4
10/27: Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 13
10/27: National Grand Prix Championship – Round 8
RUNNER-UP RESULTS IN IDAHO FALLS EXTEND TRYSTAN HART’S AMA ENDUROCROSS ADVANTAGE
Defending AMA EnduroCross Champion Trystan Hart has managed to extend his advantage in the 2024 series after finishing runner-up at the conclusion of both nights in the Idaho Falls double-header with FMF KTM Factory Racing this weekend.
Hart has a 16-point lead in the EX Pro Class with two rounds remaining, proving to be a picture of consistency at the Mountain America Center for Rounds 3 and 4 of the season.
Friday evening saw Hart fight for victory until the very end with 2-4-2 scores onboard his KTM 350 XC-F, placing him on the middle step of the podium in second overall and continuing his perfect podium run to commence his title defense.
The world-class Canadian came out even stronger on Saturday to win the opening race, and then was third in the second encounter, which resulted in a three-rider tie entering the final moto.
Hart recovered from a difficult start and quickly worked his way back into contention, ultimately taking the checkered flag in second position for P2 overall.
Trystan Hart: “I was fast on Friday, but just didn’t have the aggression to make it happen. It was all good, we came back on Saturday and I was feeling better. There was a tough rock section that I knew would suit my style, so I was able to rip the holeshot and won the first moto. We were in a three-way tie going into the last one and I finished second – I spun off the gate and that was it. We’ve had 1-1-2-2 finishes to start the year, so it’s going to plan so far!”
EX Pro Class Results – Round 3
1. Colton Haaker, Husqvarna
2. Trystan Hart, FMF KTM Factory Racing
3. Cooper Abbott, Sherco
5. Ryder LeBlond, Husqvarna
7. Will Riordan, GASGAS
EX Pro Class Results – Round 4
1. Jonny Walker, Triumph
2. Trystan Hart, FMF KTM Factory Racing
3. Colton Haaker, Husqvarna
6. Ryder LeBlond, Husqvarna
11. Will Riordan, GASGAS
DANTE OLIVEIRA CLINCHES FIFTH-STRAIGHT NGPC CROWN WITH FMF KTM FACTORY RACING
FMF KTM Factory Racing rider Dante Oliveira clinched his fifth-consecutive AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) in the Pro Class with a round to spare after claiming victory in Blythe’s eighth round of the 2024 season, while in the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series finale at Ironman, Brandy Richards won WXC and Gus Riordan finished third in the XC2 250 Pro category.
NATIONAL GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 8
In capturing a fifth NGPC premier class title in succession, FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Dante Oliveira put forward a dominant performance in Blythe, California, to win his sixth race of the year in commanding fashion.
Oliveira has been the class of the field onboard his KTM 450 XC-F once again in 2024, getting out front from the outset in the Gold Rush Grand Prix with the holeshot and he controlled the race from there. Dante eventually took the checkered flag 11 seconds clear of the chasing pack, which secured him the championship with one race remaining in the nine-round series.
Dante Oliveira: “My ride was awesome today! I got off to a great start, the bike was dialed, and I felt good on the track. It was a lot of fun, so we were able to get into a flow, and it’s always an epic track at Blythe. Mission accomplished with the championship this weekend, I have a great team behind me at FMF KTM Factory Racing, and am super-excited to get title number five in NGPC.”
FMF KTM Factory Racing teammate Mateo Oliveira – also just back from the International Six Days Enduro – started strongly and completed the opening lap in third position, before sickness caught up with him during the middle stages of the race and he eventually finished in P7.
Mateo Oliveira: “It was a so-so day for me. I came into the weekend a little sick from traveling home after the ISDE, so went for as long as I could, and then fell back. My speed is good, I just need to get healthy and make a good push at Havasu.”
Pro Class Results
1. Dante Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Austin Walton, Husqvarna
3. Tyler Lynn, Honda
7. Mateo Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
8. Dalton Shirey, Husqvarna
GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES – ROUND 13
With FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir already claiming the 2024 GNCC Series and FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers standout Grant Davis winning the XC2 250 Pro Class title last time out, Ironman’s 13th and final round of the season wrapped up what has been an exceptional year for KTM in the series.
Girroir was absent this weekend while awaiting the arrival of his second child at home, which left former champion Ben Kelley to fly the FMF KTM Factory Racing flag in XC1 Open Pro, where he would go on to finish in eighth position riding the KTM 350 XC-F in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Ben Kelley: “We had very dry and dusty race conditions for the final round. I found a flow on lap three and worked my way into fourth, then was closing in on the podium when we encountered some trouble with the rear tire, so I had to limp back to the pit on lap five. That dropped me back to eighth in the end, but we still finished. It was disappointing to end the season that way, but I’m motivated for next year and learned a lot in the four GNCC races that I did get to line up in.”
Meanwhile, Davis traded his usual KTM 250 XC-F for a 2025 KTM 250 XC two-stroke at the final round, but unfortunately saw his day end early after striking a tree with his foot in the early laps. FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers teammate Gus Riordan rode his KTM 250 XC-F to P3 on the podium, with the pair going 1-2 in the final 2024 point standings.
Gus Riordan: “It was another tough Ironman, super-dusty and there were many things that could catch you off-guard today. We got through okay though, finished on the podium, and we’ll be ready to go next year.”
Grant Davis: “I was having a blast on the two-stroke, made my way into second after a terrible start, and then smashed my foot into a tree. I banged it up a bit, but other than that it was a fun day and it’s been a really great season for us at FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers.”
As she did in the ISDE with Team USA last week, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ Brandy Richards finished the GNCC season on the top step of the WXC podium, picking up a fifth victory of the year and showcasing her capabilities in the dry, dusty conditions equipped with the KTM 250 XC-F. Richards finished the series ranked second overall in the WXC title race.
Brandy Richards: “I knew that a holeshot would be important in this dust and then after that I tried to sprint ahead. I was able to catch my breath from there, worked my way through the lapped riders – there were so many people out there – and being from the West Coast, I love the dusty conditions. It was a great time out there, the track was high-speed, and I had a good time. It feels good to finish the GNCC season with a win!”
KTM also had longtime Red Bull KTM Factory Racing AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross team rider Marvin Musquin on location at the Ironman GNCC, making a guest appearance in the Industry race onboard the epic new 2025 KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION.
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Craig DeLong, Husqvarna
2. Liam Draper, Yamaha
3. Lyndon Snodgrass, Kawasaki
8. Ben Kelley, FMF KTM Factory Racing
11. Trevor Bollinger, Husqvarna
XC2 250 Pro Class Results
1. Toby Cleveland, Husqvarna
2. Cody Barnes, Honda
3. Angus Riordan, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
13. Grant Davis, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
WXC Class Results
1. Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
2. Rachael Archer, Kawasaki
3. Tayla Jones, Honda
Craig DeLong ends 2024 GNCC season on a high with Ironman victory
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Craig DeLong claimed a timely victory to end the 2024 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series on a high note this weekend at Ironman. The team also achieved success in Round 8 of the National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC), where Austin Walton raced to second place on the Pro Class podium.
Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 13
Last year’s GNCC title winner Craig DeLong made a welcome return from injury with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing for the finale and raced to a gritty second victory of the 2024 season in dry and dusty conditions.
Equipped with the Husqvarna FX 350, DeLong made a strong start to enter the woods positioned second on the opening lap, eventually taking charge of the lead with four laps complete and he controlled the race from there. DeLong ended the season ranked fourth in the XC1 Open Pro standings, saving his very best for last this weekend after recovering from a recent hand injury.
“I didn’t really know where I would stack up, but I was motivated to come back and knew that a good start in the conditions today was everything,” DeLong reflected. “I executed that, so was second early on, and then once I was in the lead I was able to ride my lines and get a gap. I was able to maintain the advantage for the rest of the race, so after a tough year, to finish on top at Ironman is awesome.”
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Trevor Bollinger was a non-finisher this weekend following a crash in the early portion of the race, ending the year positioned 11th in the series with a single podium to his credit coming at Round 11.
“We were able to push into the top five early on, but from there I went down a couple of times,” said Bollinger. “Unfortunately, I banged up my elbow in one of those and was out of the race on lap two today.”
Despite sitting out the final rounds of the GNCC season with a shoulder injury, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Korie Steede held onto third place in the WXC series, earning two victories throughout a solid campaign on her Husqvarna FX 250.
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2. Liam Draper, Yamaha
3. Lyndon Snodgrass, Kawasaki
8. Ben Kelley, KTM
11. Trevor Bollinger, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
National Grand Prix Championship – Round 8
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Austin Walton delivered an impressive ride in Round 8 of the NGPC series in Blythe, California, finishing P2 in the Gold Rush Grand Prix.
Walton was in second position for the duration of the 11-lap race on his Husqvarna FX 450, only 11 seconds outside of eventual winner Dante Oliveira when the checkered flag flew, and he’s moved inside the top three overall with a single NGPC round remaining in 2024.
“It was an awesome race and the track is just gnarly here!” commented Walton. “I’ve been able to win here in the past and I know what I’m up against, because it’s all about who can charge all the way to the end. I was happy with my performance today, I got a good start and we’ve been working on those a lot, so I’m satisfied with my second-place result. That was brutal!”
Dalton Shirey made his return to NGPC competition this weekend, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider building back up to speed following an extended amount of time on the sidelines through injury. He completed the weekend in eighth position, gaining valuable race mileage in the process, and is excited to keep building at the finale next month.
“The start was okay and I was running with the guys for some time,” Shirey said. “My back then started tightening up, so for me it was about getting things going for next year, and I will keep working on myself from here. I know what I’ve got to do to get ready for Havasu and 2025.”
Pro Class Results
1. Dante Oliveira, KTM
2. Austin Walton, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Tyler Lynn, Honda
7. Mateo Oliveira, KTM
8. Dalton Shirey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Colton Haaker collects another EX Pro podium
A convincing third-place result in Round 4 of the 2024 AMA EnduroCross Series continued Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Colton Haaker’s podium form on night two of the double-header weekend in Idaho Falls.
The five-time champion won Friday night with a perfect 1-1-1 results sheet on his Husqvarna FX 350, and was once again well in contention on Saturday to cap-off a strong weekend at the Mountain America Center, qualifying quickest in the Hot Lap session.
Haaker finished third in the opening race and then charged to victory in the second outing, which set him up to challenge for the overall via a three-way tie for the lead at that point of the evening. He managed a P4 score in Moto 3, which sealed him third overall in a third-consecutive podium, and he’s currently P3 in the standings.
“I was able to win Moto 2 and we were all tied up coming into the last race, but I did what I could – did my best – and we were on the podium again in third for the night,” Haaker said. “It was a good weekend overall, on the box both rounds, and we have to be satisfied with that.”
After finishing fifth in Round 3, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Ryder LeBlond went 6-9-6 for sixth overall in a consistent performance on Saturday night, moving to P6 in the championship with two rounds remaining.
“After finishing fifth on the first night, we backed it up with sixth tonight and it was a decent weekend for us,” commented LeBlond. “It was a tough double-header, the racing was intense, but we will keep working and aiming for the podium again in the coming weeks.”
EX Pro Class Results
1. Jonny Walker, Triumph
2. Trystan Hart, KTM
3. Colton Haaker, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
6. Ryder LeBlond, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
11. Will Riordan, GASGAS
Maddie Hoover takes GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team to 2024 Woman Pro Title
GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team rider Maddie Hoover has picked up an exceptional eighth-career Women Pro Class title following the final rounds of the 2024 AMA/NATC MotoTrials USA National Championship Series in Center Hill, Florida, where teammate Josh Roper delivered 2-3 results to seal third in the Pro Class point standings.
- Maddie Hoover makes it eight Women Pro titles
- Clinches championship with victory in the final round!
- Double podium places Josh Roper P3 in Pro Class
Hoover has set the standard on her GASGAS TXT GP 300 this season and entered the final two rounds at Promise Ranch in the box seat to claim a historic eighth title. She placed second on Saturday and then turned the tables for victory on Sunday, which was enough to secure the championship. After a hard-fought season alongside Kylee Sweeten and then Alicia Robinson this weekend, it was a well-earned result for Maddie with five wins in eight rounds.
Maddie Hoover: “I had a rough start to the morning on Saturday, just had a bunch of rookie mistakes with ribbons and tape and markers. I didn’t have my best first lap, but I managed to turn it around my second and third. I was trying to catch up to Alicia all day, which was definitely difficult as she was riding really well. I ended up a couple points off, but was happy with the progress of the day all things considered. The sections were super-technical, really tight, very different from anything we’ve ridden this year. It was definitely challenging, which was cool. Sunday went a lot better, I had some pretty decent loop scores that I’m happy with, and I ended up winning, which is always a good feeling. The riding was good, because there were some moments of brilliance and then there were quite a few tricky spots, so I really enjoyed it. It was super fun! I’m really happy that I won the championship – I just want to thank GASGAS USA and all of our sponsors for the trials team. We’re so appreciative.”
Promise Ranch was also a convincing way to end the season for GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team’s Roper, riding his GASGAS TXT GP 300 to second position in Round 7 and then finishing third at the finale. That impressive podium form positioned him third overall in the championship for 2024 once the final scores were tallied.
Josh Roper: “Saturday actually turned out to be a pretty solid day for myself and Nigel [Parker]. Going into the event, I wanted to make a point, so I decided to slow my pace down a little bit, fall behind everybody, watch everyone and what lines they were taking, what worked and what didn’t work, and study what everyone else was doing. I was the very last rider. Looking back on it, it ended up being a pretty solid day. Sections were really good and I guess they just suited my style. Sunday was an okay day. Unfortunately, it all came down to one section that had a pretty big launch in it, and my first two loops, I didn’t make it. I finally made it my last loop, but if I would have made those first two loops, I could’ve been right there. I wish I could’ve been up there fighting with Pat [Smage] and Toby [Martyn] a little bit more throughout the season. It was nice yesterday to feel that groove of what it was like – we’ll try again next year!”
Pro Class Results – Round 7
1. Toby Martyn, Montesa
2. Josh Roper, GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team
3. Pat Smage, Sherco
Women Pro Class Results – Round 7
1. Alicia Robinson, Beta
2. Maddie Hoover, GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team
Pro Class Results – Round 8
1. Pat Smage, Sherco
2. Toby Martyn, Montesa
3. Josh Roper, GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team
Women Pro Class Results – Round 8
1. Maddie Hoover, GASGAS USA Factory Trials Team
2. Alicia Robinson, Beta
Triumph Factory Racing Announce Four-Man SMX Team
Triumph Factory Racing is thrilled to announce that its SuperMotocross World Championship squad will expand ahead of its second year in the United States. Austin Forkner, Jordon Smith and Stilez Robertson have joined Jalek Swoll to form a four-man team that boasts a wealth of podium experience.
Jalek Swoll returns to the team to build on the success that he encountered in the 2024 SMX World Championship – he captured the TF 250-X’s first Monster Energy AMA Supercross heat win and AMA Pro Motocross podium. The 24-year-old is now in hot pursuit of what will be a maiden win for himself and the Triumph Factory Racing squad.
Missouri’s Austin Forkner, a 13-time winner in the 250SX class of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, joins the team with a fierce ambition to capture the professional title that has eluded him thus far. The 26-year-old has an impressive win rate of 31% indoors, which speaks to his quality and the performance that he will deliver aboard the TF 250-X.
Jordon Smith has underlined his potential in recent times and narrowly missed out on the 250SX West title in 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross – a loss that has fuelled him further as he strives to make history aboard a TF 250-X. Hailing from North Carolina, Smith joins the team with four 250SX wins to his name and 23 appearances on the podium.
Stilez Robertson is keen to showcase his raw skill when the 2025 SMX World Championship roars into life, as a series of injuries denied him of that chance across the last 12 months. Now, revitalised in his new environment, he is poised to build on the three Monster Energy AMA Supercross podiums that he has captured in 15 starts, as well as the one podium that he has scored in AMA Pro Motocross.
The 2025 SMX World Championship will start with round one of Monster Energy AMA Supercross in Anaheim, Southern California, on January 11. 17 rounds of indoor action will follow before AMA Pro Motocross fires into life on May 24.
Jalek Swoll: “I am excited for my second season with Triumph Factory Racing – the plan is to tick off more of my goals and get that first win. I am so motivated to continue working with the great team that we have here. I am confident that it is going to be a successful year. I cannot wait!”
Austin Forkner: “I am super excited to be a part of Triumph Factory Racing. I am already so happy after just a couple of weeks of work with the team. I really like the team of personnel that has been put together here – I think it is going to be a brilliant year. Of course, I am motivated to capture their first SMX win. It would be huge for both the team and me! It will be a lot of fun, building together and working towards that point.”
Jordon Smith: “I am really happy to join the Triumph Factory Racing team, after watching the progress that the team has made in their first season. I have been on the bike for a couple of days and feel great – I am excited to work towards the team’s first win. I have had a good couple of years, so I feel like I am in a positive spot to battle for wins each weekend and ultimately the championship. I love the team that has been assembled here. Everyone here has the same mindset and ambition.”
Stilez Robertson: “I am so pumped to join the Triumph Factory Racing team. The bike has been amazing so far – this is an incredible group of people. There is a lot of history to be made with the team and I am excited to be a part of that. I would love to deliver their first win! I am so excited to move into the future with this team.”
Ian Kimber, Head of Global Racing Programmes: “Our rider line-up for the 2025 season underlines how serious we are with our SuperMotocross programme and our commitment to the sport and our off-road products. We are focussed on building on our 2024 season and pushing hard in both Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross. Jalek did an amazing job under some difficult circumstances last year – I am excited for him to have new teammates in Jordon, Austin, and Stilez. I cannot wait to see what the team will do when the gate drops.”
Steve Sargent, Chief Product Officer: “We learnt a lot during our first SuperMotocross season and are poised to build on those lessons during our 2025 season. The rider selection represents our desire to push our position within both the rider and manufacturer championships. Jalek showed everyone what the bike was capable off last year, and I am sure the whole team will be able to capitalise on the data we gained racing next year. It is great to welcome Stilez, Jordon and Austin to our U.S. programme – along with Jalek – and I am confident we are going to see some great racing.”
GASGAS FACTORY RACING AND ROCKSTAR ENERGY™ TEAM UP FOR 2025 SMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Turn up the heat! GASGAS Factory Racing and Rockstar® Energy Drink will take on a bold new challenge together in 2025, introducing the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team that will contest the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship, inclusive of AMA Supercross, Pro Motocross and the SMX Finals series.
- Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing bringing the heat into 2025!
- Spicy new collaboration for SMX next year rolled out at EICMA show
- #51 GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition to tease Rockstar Energy livery
Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing will introduce an epic new in-house team for U.S. competition ahead of next season – full details to be revealed! We’ll be formally unveiling our exciting partnership during this week’s 110th edition of the legendary EICMA show in Milan, Italy! Don’t miss the #51 dirt bike in its striking new Rockstar Energy livery to get a taste of what’s in the works…
Lining up with the RED-hot 2025 GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition and 2025 GASGAS MC 250F Factory Edition in SMX, Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing will be certain to make an impact both on- and off-track from the very first gate-drop of the year. That’s right, we’re already pumped for Anaheim 1 this coming January!
Since first entering the AMA Supercross Championship in 2021, GASGAS Factory Racing has achieved its share of podium-topping success on multiple occasions, first with Justin Barcia winning the 450SX Main Event on debut at Houston that season, and most recently with Pierce Brown picking up the final 250SMX victory of the 2024 season in Las Vegas!
Recognized for its long-standing collaboration with AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championship teams in the high-profile North American-based series, Rockstar Energy is taking its involvement to the next level with its newfound GASGAS Factory Racing partnership.
“Rockstar Energy is excited to officially partner with the GASGAS team for the 2025 season, expanding our footprint in SuperMotocross and further deepening our connection to the sport,” says Steve Mateus, director of sports marketing, PepsiCo. “Motorsports, particularly supercross and motocross, have always been central to Rockstar’s brand legacy. This partnership with the KTM Group is not only true to our roots but also represents a powerful step forward as we look to energize and connect with fans on and off the track.”
Above all else, this new partnership underlines the commitment GASGAS has to racing at the highest level. One thing’s sure, GASGAS is fully focused on looking forward and building for the future. Heading into pre-season testing, it’s full steam ahead for Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing. And, just like GASGAS has done over the last four years, in 2025 we’ll be bringing the heat, the fun, and the good times to stadiums and race tracks across the USA!
As you might have guessed, new GASGAS dirt bikes, heavily inspired by what we’ll have on show at EICMA, are soon to be released. Stay tuned to our social channels and make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter to be the first in line to see what we’ve been cooking up over the last few months.
